Oil cooler
This type of electric heater probably does not need a special introduction — I think everyone has encountered it at least once in their life. The principle of its operation is also quite simple: the heating element heats up the mineral oil inside the metal case to a set temperature, and the heated radiator gives heat to the surrounding air. The device is reliable and durable, quite effective and safe.
If the power of the device is selected correctly, it will provide good heating of the room. Using the regulators installed on the housing, you can select the desired mode and set the temperature; when the desired parameters are reached, the heater will automatically turn off. Modern models of oil radiators, like convectors, can have additional functions (for example, an air ionizer).
These devices are available only in the floor version and are equipped with stands on wheels that allow you to move the heater around the room, which is useful, because, unlike the convector, the oil radiator warms the air not too evenly. The built-in fan, which is equipped with some modern models, will help to cope with this disadvantage. But the fact that the device warms up for a long time, you just need to accept — it can not be fixed, this is its feature.
Other disadvantages include a relatively large mass (the oil heater is noticeably heavier than the convector). However, if you do not plan to constantly transfer the heat source from room to room, its excess weight will not play a significant role.
Infrared heaters
If oil radiators and convectors heat the air in the room, the principle of operation of infrared heaters is completely different. Infrared rays heat objects in the room (and the human body, too). This is something like a small home “sun”.
There are many options for such heaters now. Electric models can be wall-mounted, floor-mounted, or ceiling-mounted; they have different capacities, different designs, and different types of heating elements. So, for example, recently very popular (including among summer residents) film infrared heaters, which are hung on the wall in the form of beautiful panels.
As for me, I could not overcome my distrust of this method of heating. My brain does not want to put up with the statement that exposure to infrared rays is absolutely harmless and safe for the human body (especially since it is not even theoretically true for any infrared radiation). I may be mistaken. However, I always feel uncomfortable next to such a heater, and no references to tests convince me of its harmlessness, so I can’t objectively evaluate the advantages of the device (affordable price, economy, efficiency). The existing infrared heater in the house has long been out of business.
The disadvantages (in addition to the controversial impact on humans) include the relatively low safety of devices with an open heating element (halogen, carbon): the instructions for such devices explicitly prohibit their operation without control, although they are usually equipped with various forms of protection (for example, if the heater is dropped, it will automatically turn off). In other words, this equipment should not be left on when leaving home.
Infrared heaters with a closed heating element (ceramic, film) do not have this disadvantage. But at the same time, film ones have limited power, and rather powerful ceramic ones have a high price.
However, there are disadvantages (and what equipment does not have them?) they do not interfere with the growing popularity of such heaters — and the second place among the devices chosen by users is an irrefutable proof of this.
Fan heater
Perhaps one of the main advantages of this type of heaters is the price.
The principle of operation of the device is actually described by its name: it is really a fan that directs a stream of warm air into the room from the heating element located in front of it. Regulators on the case allow you to set the heating temperature and operating mode; the equipment is compact and mobile.
Please note that fan heaters should not be left unattended: they are not perfect in terms of operational safety and are not designed for long-term use. Another disadvantage is the noise generated by the device running. On the other hand, a good fan heater can quickly warm up the room, which is very important for a summer resident who comes to a cold dacha on a weekend.
A heat gun, in addition to accelerated heating of a residential area, can be useful if, for example, the water in the pipe is frozen: a directed stream of hot air sometimes helps to solve the problem. Owners of workshops and garages often prefer this type of heaters. In short, you can not say that it is “worse” or “better” than others — this is a question of goals and objectives for which equipment is purchased.
Electric fireplace — warmth, comfort and beauty
If the soul asks not only for warmth, but also for aesthetic pleasure (which is not obtained from the contemplation of standard heating devices), we turn our eyes to electric fireplaces.
And for the pleasure, as usual, you have to pay. And even the most budget model will cost more than any electric heater of comparable power. So, if you just need to heat the cottage or keep the temperature in the room during your absence, most likely, this option will not interest you.
However, it can attract the attention of those who have long dreamed of spending cozy evenings by the hearth, but do not have the opportunity to get a “real” wood-burning fireplace. Its modern electric counterpart can create an almost complete illusion: dancing flames, crackling wood, and heat, of course. And at the same time-no extra hassle like cleaning the chimney, cleaning the garbage and finding a place to store wood stock. There are certainly advantages.
Electric hot water bottles
The problem is familiar to many summer residents: the house is heated, but the bed remains cold. In an unheated room, linen and mattresses get wet, and it is not very comfortable to spend the night in such conditions. You can solve the problem in different ways — for example, direct the fan heater in the direction of your bed or iron the sheets with a hot iron. Or use an electric heating pad.
And even if this device is difficult to fully attribute to heating devices, it would probably be wrong not to mention it in our conversation. Of course, the room can not be heated with a hot water bottle, but such a “lifesaver” in the cold season at the dacha will certainly come in handy. Moreover, it is inexpensive.
And what do you warm up in the cold season, coming to the country? What heaters do you use? Why did you choose this option and why do you like it? Share your experience and impressions — maybe it is your opinion that will be decisive for someone when choosing.
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